Power

We can divide ‘power’ into two groups: official and unofficial power.

Official power is legitimate: it has been authorised by the organisation and its owner. It is sometimes called authority. Managers require formal authority so that staff will comply (do what they are told).

Some power in an organisation is unofficial, or informal. In this case it is the result of strong personalities, friendships, special knowledge and skills and other qualities not recognised by the formal organisation.

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